High Speed Motorized Linear Actuators – Direct Drive Linear Modules – High Performance Actuators

These fast, rodless motorized direct-drive linear actuators are driven by a high speed 3-phase linear motor and can achieve velocities to 5m/sec, fast acceleration up to 5g’s, and travel ranges up to 1.2m (47”). Three-phase electromagnetic linear motors work on a non-contact principle and provide high speed motion and extremely long lifetime. They are ideal for high performance, precision automation applications.  All units are equipped with linear encoders for position feedback.

The direct-drive linear modules use a single guiding rail and are well suited as high performance actuators and can form the basis of a gantry system.

These rodless compact direct-drive actuators use cross-roller bearings and air bearings for the highest geometric accuracy (straightness, flatness) as well as excellent repeatability. High resolution, closed-loop linear encoder feedback makes them a premier choice for precision nanopositioning requirements. Motion ranges from 7mm to 25mm (1 inch).

High-speed precision actuators are positioning, motion, and automation devices that create motion in response to a control signal, and are specifically designed to provide high acceleration and velocity to move quickly and accurately. They convert different types of energy – usually electrical, but sometimes also pneumatic or hydraulic – into mechanical motion or force. Here we are focusing on electrically controlled actuators because of their compact size and ease of controllability. The actuators covered here are not designed for consumer applications but for high-tech industrial and research applications.

High speed actuators are often used in industries that require precise and rapid movement, such as robotics, optical test and production equipment, aerospace, medical devices, and manufacturing processes. They can be used for a variety of applications, such as moving a tool to a certain position, adjusting the focus in optical devices, or controlling a valve in an industrial process (for high speed dispensing and nanoliter dosing applications, piezoelectric actuators and voice coil actuators are best suited). 

The "precision" part of the name refers to the actuator's ability to reach a specific position or apply a specific force accurately and repeatably. Here, the mechanical design but especially the position feedback system such as a linear encoder or high resolution LVDT or capacitance sensor and the capabilities of the motion controller are essential. The "high-speed" part of the name refers to the actuator's ability to make these precise movements quickly, which is related to motor design and power, but also to controller bandwidth, algorithms, and output capabilities. Together, these characteristics enable actuators to perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and at a high acceleration and velocity.

Several different technologies can be used to achieve these capabilities, including piezoelectric materials, voice coil actuators, linear motors, and more. The exact design of a high-speed precision actuator can vary widely depending on the specific requirements of the application.